The defence lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu, this week made an application for postponement before the magistrate, Livingstone Chipadza, at Rusape magistrates court, arguing that the prosecution had only served state papers to Mwonzora.
He said: “The 19 other accused persons were not served, so this inhibits us from adequately preparing our defence. My other clients need time to adequately prepare for this trial.”
The alleged offence was committed on February 13, 2011, when Mwonzora was arrested with 31 MDC-T party followers in Nyanga North for allegedly assaulting Zanu (PF) supporters.
According to the State, in February 2011, Mwonzora and MDC-T supporters held a meeting at Chatindo School, Nyamaropa, where Zanu (PF) youths wanted to play soccer.
The State alleged the group, at the instigation of Mwonzora, attacked the youths and ejected them from the school.
It is the State’s case that some of the youths were injured and were taken to the nearby Regina Coeli Hospital. Mwonzora and his co-accused are said to have followed them and damaged some buildings. Mwonzora allegedly vanished from the scene following the arrival of the police.
The group’s legal charges are being handled by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Post published in: News